Best Applesauce Nut Crumb Cake Recipes

One of the most irresistible desserts is the nut crumb cake, and when you add applesauce to the mix, you have an amazing apple nut crumb cake that is sweet, moist, and incredibly delicious. This dessert is perfect for a weekend brunch or as an after-dinner treat.

The Role of Applesauce in Nut Crumb Cakes

Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can add moisture, sweetness, and texture to cakes, bread, and muffins. When you add applesauce to a nut crumb cake recipe, you get a moist, tender crumb with a subtle apple flavor that complements the nuts and crumb topping.

Benefits of Using Applesauce in Nut Crumb Cakes

• Healthier Options: Applesauce is a healthier alternative to oil, butter, or margarine. When you replace half the fat in a recipe with applesauce, you can reduce the total fat content of the recipe by 25 to 50 percent.
• Moisture: Applesauce adds moisture to the cake batter, giving you a tender, moist crumb that is less likely to dry out or become dense.
• Texture: The applesauce also helps to create a fine and delicate texture for the cake that is incredibly appealing.
• Flavor: Applesauce adds a subtle sweetness and a light apple undertone that balances the nutty flavor of a nut crumb cake.
• Reduced Sugar: Since applesauce is naturally sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe without affecting the taste of the cake. Thus, it is a great option for those looking to watch their sugar intake or those having health issues like diabetes.

Nut Options for Nut Crumb Cake Recipe

Nuts are the star ingredient of a nut crumb cake. They add richness, crunch, and flavor to the cake. Some nut options for nut crumb cake recipes are:

• Walnuts – With their earthy flavor and buttery texture, walnuts are perfect for nut crumb cakes. They work especially well when combined with applesauce as the dominant texture in the recipe.
• Pecans – Pecans are naturally sweet and buttery, and their rich flavor stands out in a nut crumb cake.
• Almonds – Almonds offer a unique, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them an excellent addition to a nut crumb cake.
• Hazelnuts – Hazelnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate flavors, and also taste great in nut crumb cakes.
• Cashews – Cashews have a mild, buttery flavor and a soft texture that makes them a great option for a smooth, mellow type of crumb.
• Macadamia Nuts – These nuts are famous for their rich, buttery flavor, making them an excellent choice for nut crumb cakes that demand a more delicate texture.

How to Make Applesauce Nut Crumb Cake?

• Gather ingredients including all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, applesauce, vanilla extract, walnuts, oatmeal, and all-purpose baking nuts out of which you can make a homemade nut crumb.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F, then line the bottom of the cake pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray for safe and easy removal of your cake.
• Prepare the cake batter. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl, in another mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until smooth.
• Add in eggs one after the other, making sure to blend everything together before adding another egg, then add in applesauce slowly and again mix to thoroughly mix them.
• Add in the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, mix until the ingredients have combined well, and then stir in the chopped walnuts.
• After this, pour in the cake batter in the pan and bake the cake for 15 minutes or until the cake starts to get firm.
• Now, prepare the nut crumb by mixing limited amounts of flour, sugar, and nuts made into a breadcrumb-like texture. Sprinkle the homemade nut crumb over the partially cooked applesauce nut crumb cake. Again, bake it for around 20-30 minutes until the cake is firm and golden-brown on top.
• Remove the cake from the oven, cool it for 10 to 20 minutes, and then use the parchment paper to remove it from the pan. Cut and serve the apple nut crumb cake, garnished with oatmeal; this makes it more presentable and adds flavor in every crunch.

Conclusion

Applesauce nut crumb cake is a perfect dessert option for those seeking something sweet with an added nutritional benefit of applesauce. Additionally, this recipe is very versatile, acceptably accommodating various types of nuts, and definitely adds another delicious dimension to the average nut crumb cake. So, next time when you think of baking homemade cakes, give this applesauce nut crumb cake recipe a try!

Valuable Tips for Making Applesauce Nut Crumb Cake

1. Choose the Right Applesauce

The success of your applesauce nut crumb cake largely depends on the type of applesauce you use. Look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened applesauce that has a smooth and creamy texture. It is best to avoid chunky or spiced applesauce as they might affect the texture and flavor of the cake. Additionally, consider making your own applesauce for the recipe.

2. Toast Nuts Before Adding Them to the Cake

Toasting nuts brings out their natural flavors and adds a delightful crunch to the cake. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven until lightly browned and fragrant. Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to crush or chop the nuts into small pieces, ensuring that they are evenly distributed in the cake batter.

3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Allow your eggs, butter, and other ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing them together. Cold ingredients are difficult to blend and can result in a lumpy or uneven batter. Room temperature ingredients, on the other hand, emulsify easily, creating a smooth and consistent batter.

4. Measure Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science, and the measurement of ingredients plays a critical role in the outcome of the dish. Invest in a digital kitchen scale to accurately measure ingredients like flour, sugar, and nuts. This ensures that the cake has the right texture and consistency, and also eliminates any guesswork.

5. Don't Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter results in a tough and dense cake. It is best to mix the ingredients just until they are incorporated. Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and the applesauce to prevent the batter from becoming overworked. This produces a tender and fluffy cake that melts in your mouth.

6. Add Flavorful Spices

A little bit of spice can take your applesauce nut crumb cake to the next level. Consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the cake batter for a warm and comforting flavor. These spices complement the sweetness of the cake and enhance the natural flavors of the apples.

7. Make a Delicious Crumb Topping

The crumb topping adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your applesauce nut crumb cake. Combine flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix until well combined. The mixture should resemble coarse sand. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter before baking to create a sweet and crunchy crust.

8. Bake the Cake in the Right Pan

To ensure that your cake bakes evenly, use a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x9 inch square baking dish. These pans have a consistent size and shape, allowing the cake to bake evenly. Additionally, use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

9. Let the Cake Cool Before Serving

Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before serving. This gives the cake a chance to set and the flavors to meld together. The crumb topping becomes crunchy, and the cake becomes moist and tender. Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible dessert.

10. Store the Cake Correctly

Leftover applesauce nut crumb cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This ensures that the cake stays fresh and moist for several days. The cake can also be frozen for up to three months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Making applesauce nut crumb cake is easy, and with the above tips, you can make it perfectly every time. Choose the right ingredients and spices, measure them accurately, and bake the cake in the correct pan. With these tips in mind, you can create a delectable dessert that is perfect for any occasion.